I've found a new way of living!

Hello fabulous people. I would like to share with you a story that is so personal! If any of you are wanting to feel fantastic, lose weight, get healthy, gain more energy... this lifestyle blog post could genuinely help you.

My Story:
I have been a member of Slimming World for years. I've bought diet books. I've tried the cabbage soup diet, weight watchers, south beach diet... A diet where you just drink juice. You name it, I have bought into it. But I never saw much success. Then I always felt sad and like a failure! I have paid money on-line to get books, tapes, diet pills... I knew what I wanted, and I fell head first into the fantastic advertising these companies do. Who'd blame me! We all do it.

I was feeling really rubbish and sluggish one day, and decided THAT'S IT I need to make a change. It was the best decision of my life! I was just on Facebook and randomly found a girl who said she was a personal trainer. I thought oooh maybe this could work. I was nervous but met up with her at Costa coffee, and we spoke about my lifestyle, what my goals were. People thought it was a bit extreme. But I knew I needed to do it for me. A couple of months later, she has now become one of my best friends! She has shown me how to be positive, exercise and eat CLEAN. I could barely run 10 minutes on a treadmill. Now look at this..

I am so proud of those pictures. I even ran a 5k for Cancer Research UK. I know I have a long way to go, but I am closer than I was. Since then, I have discovered a whole new healthy lifestyle I never thought I could have. It's not advertised on the TV, at the cinema, or in fashion magazines. Celebrities aren't paid millions of pounds to say they use it. Because it is just fruit and vegetables! The company is called Juice Plus. I have added the products I use into my favourites for this month:

I am skeptical of everything. I am a worrier. I am a doubter. But I am 100% in love with these products. The capsules are amazing! They are the most scientifically researched nutritional supplement on the market! They are the essence of 26 fruits, vegetables and berries in a capsule! You take them first thing in the morning with water, and they have so many benefits even the worlds top athletes take them. They are proven to give you better hydration, a reduction in cravings, increased energy, faster metabolism, better skin, quicker hair and nail growth and improved sleeping patterns. I can safely say I am feeling all these benefits and I am so much happier. They are also high in antioxidants so you are cleansing your liver, aiding fat loss and genuinely improving your overall health. The list goes on, but I thought I best tell you - I felt sneaky keeping this to myself as a blogger! But I will tell you the best part about it - YOU EAT REAL FOOD! You get so many recipes, support and guidance on these plans. I am eating like a queen. Yum.

I also have the shakes. They are natural plant protein. They were first made for athletes as a pre and post workout shake. They can be used for fat loss, snacks, muscle gain or a meal replacement and are really convenient to use at breakfast time. They are said to be the best protein on the market, giving you 100% natural results.

And that's my story. Thank you for reading this blog - it's really personal to me but I just wanted to shout out about my success. I have lost visible inches over the months, and I have lost half a stone already! 1 stone and a half overall. I am genuinely much happier, and if you would like to know some more information - please message me on Facebook (link below) I love the products so much, I have now invested in the company, as I want to help other girls like me, that just need that guidance and support, and a little helping hand.

www.facebook.com/hellosparkle247

XOXO - Hannah

PS- We still drink champagne!

Summer Favourites: Birthday Edition

My birthday wishlist came true!

Hi guys, I can't wait to show you the beauty products I got for my birthday and why I asked for them. Some old favourites, some new for the summer! These are the products I asked for, for my birthday which was in June. OMG I'm 26! But let's not dwell on that haha... Have a look below at my photos and thoughts on these wonderful, cantlivewithout products. 

Urban Decay Naked Illuminated

Shimmering Powder for Face and Body - in AURA.

I haven't tried this product yet, but I love anything Shimmery and beautiful. When I saw this in the shops, I KNEW it was for me. I will use it to light up my contour at night time, and give me a natural glow in the day, highlighting the cheek bones and under the eyebrow. When I go on holiday, it will be used to highlight my natural tan, and give a gentle shimmer wherever needed! The product is a great size, so I bet it will last me ages! Love it. 

"Light up your face and body. Chase away the bland. NAKED ILLUMINATED is an illuminating powder with a delicate, alluring shimmer. This universal soft pink shade comes with an exclusive dusting brush for your glowing pleasure."

Urban Decay NAKED Palette

Well, you all know about this palette. I have Naked Palette 3 because I love pinks and rose golds, but how could I not get this one! Can't wait to start using it. 

"It's the palette that revolutionized neutrals forever. Loaded with 12 bronze-hued shadows in an insane range of textures only UD could dream up - including matte, satin, shimmer and sparkle - Naked champagne to the grittiest gunmetal, it's all here. Whether you're going for a laid-back, beachy vibe or black-tie drama, you'll definitely look better Naked."

Bobbi Brown Shimmering Sands Eye Palette

Again, beautiful shimmers for day or night!

Benefit the POREfessional primer

PRO balm to minimize the appearance of pores. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this. You put it on over your moisturiser, under your make up and it makes your face look clear, and keeps your foundation on all day long.

Benefit the POREfessional License to Blot

A new product from Benefit I just had to try! It's an instant oil-blotting stick you carry around with you during the day, to touch up your make-up and get rid of oil! 

Target oily spots! This instant blotting stick with tiny invisible blotting spheres mattifies shine for up to 6 hours after application. Oil has finally met its matte!

Clinique Cheek Pop - in 02 Peach Pop

Gotta love peachy, coral colours in the summer :) and it;s 100% fragrance free. It's a burst of colour which you can build up to get the exact colour boost for your skin. Lighter in the day, more at night!

SensatioNAIL gel colour in Pink Daisy

I have previously written a blog on the SensatioNAIL kit. This is another colour to add to my collection. It lasts for up to 2 weeks, and makes your nail really strong underneath. 

Chanel COCO Mademoiselle Eau De Toilette

A top up of my favourite perfume!

Thanks for reading my blog. Please subscribe :) XOXO

My Beauty Storage

Hello darlings! Hope you are well. This weekend I looked at my room and I thought... this is silly. I really need some kind of system. I'm sure you all have fabulous beauty rooms, but as a newbie beauty blogger, I am soooo happy I have a little organisation situation going on! So I thought I'd share with you what I did :)

I knew was saving my Glossybox's for something... but I didn't know what! Then one Sunday afternoon it all became clear. I emptied out my top draw and then wala, a place for everything and everything in it's place. Getting ready in the mornings is so much easier now, and I am able to try out different make up looks on a daily basis now I know where everything is! LOL. Have a look below at a few photos of my new beauty storage!

Feel free to comment below your thoughts, and please share with me your storage ideas. I'm sure I will change this set up a million times, and I am so interested in beauty storage DIY! And that's it for now folks. Thanks for checking out my blog xoxo

What's in my bag!?

Hi guys. I have seen this blog idea all over Twitter, and I wanted to get involved! Maybe it's just me being nosey, but I love to see what people have in their handbags. I think many of us are like Mary Poppins, and there's just so many things we NNEEEEDDD to carry around with us. Men will never understand! So here we are... a few photos of items I usually carry around with me. See below for photos, explanations and where to get the items from! If you have written about this topic in your blog, please send me your links and I will check them out. Laterzzz xoxo

Rightoooo let's begin :)

Slimming World Magazine I love this magazine. Even if you don't do Slimming World, there are so many fantastic recipes I'm sure you'd love to try. I feel like every issue is jam packed full of interesting recipes and ideas, it's almost like a book that you can keep forever. There's also lots of inspirational stories about how people have managed to lose weight, succeeded in their journey and accomplished their goals. There's also some great fashion articles in these magazines. I want all the dresses. You can subscribe here.
BooTea 14 Day TeaTox Love Love Love. Do you have a special occasion coming up? Or just simply feel like feeling awesome? This Tea is amazing. You drink one every morning when you wake up, and then you take the night time tea every other night. I personally have seen great results. You can buy it here.
Tangle Teezer Since I bought this brush, I don't use any other type. It is amazing at getting knots and tangles out when you have washed your hair, SAVES TIME and protects your hair from split ends and breakage. Get one.
BH Cosmetics 10 Color Palette I can never decide on a blush colour, so I can take this bad boy out with me, mix and match, touch up, and it has lasted me a very long time. I got mine from Amazon.
Urban Decay Naked Palette 3 The best eyeshadow palette I have ever used. Lots of browns, sparkles, pinks, rose gold colours that compliment each other extremely well. Go for a light day time look, or a heavy rock chick night time look, this palette is amazing for all occasions. You can get it here.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Purse I got this purse from TK Max. They always have really great purses and handbags on offer. I love it. It has so many sections I can everything in it. All my store cards. ;)
The Body Shop Born Lippy in Raspberry Gives colour, flavour and moisture for kissable lips Buy here,
Burt's Bees Lip Shine in Smooch Gorgeous deep red colour, but still suitable for day time :) They also use 100% natural ingredients which is just a bonus. Check it out here.
Samsung Galaxy S5
Mini Cooper Car Fob
Marks and Spencer Anti-Bacterial Lemon hand gel
MAC Foundation Brush 187 Only the best foundation brush I have ever used in my entire life. Worth the money. It's a Duo Fibre brush, which means it can create soft layers so you build up with as much coverage as you want. You only need a pea sized amount and it spreads so nicely across your entire face. No marks or lines. Here it is.
Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation in Beige This is my favourite foundation. It gives great coverage and you only need a little bit. It spreads perfectly and it has powder in it so it's great for oily t zones! I got this from a Chanel counter in Selfridges.
Stress Less Therapy Balm This is a cute little balm you apply to your pressure points to keep you cool, calm and collected. I got mine from Space NK. :)
KIKO Bronzer Powder in 104 I love this bronzer. I got in when I was in Marbella, and it is amazing. Such a nice colour and it has lasted AGES.
Benefit the POREfessional shine-vanishing PRO powder This is all I use for powder over my Chanel foundation. I just apply it to the T Zone and it stops you shining all day long. I got mine from Boots.
L'Occitane En Provence Hand Cream 20% Shea Butter This is the best handcream I have ever come across in my life. Absolutely gorgeous.
The Body Shop Honey Bronze Highlighting Dome in 01 Love this new highlighting dome. I wrote about it in my previous blog, check it out.
Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara in Black
Louise Young Blusher Brush LY04 I love these brushes. Find out more about them here.
Silvine Notebook
PaperMate Inkjoy Purple Pen
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle purfume
Benefit Speed Brow in Brown This is great for on-the-go when you don't have time to tame your eyebrows. Just two little swipes of this and you look put together and your eyebrows are set for the whole day.
The Little Book Of Confidence by Susan Jeffers - "Remember to say to yourself with great frequency: 'Whatever happens as a result of my decisions...I'LL HANDLE IT!' And you definitely will!"

*No paid advertising for this post. Just items that I love and want to share.*

Illuminate your summer!

Hello my lovelies. I know what you're thinking. Is it actually summer yet? Where's the sun!? Well if you aren't in England, you might be sunning yourself right this second. But for us ye olde english, we are lucky if it doesn't rain! But it'll be here soon... I have a feeling :) The great thing about the summer is, I'm sure you'll all be on your jollies soon, I am going to Marbella and cannot wait. Sun a-shining, cocktails-a-pouring... It's going to be bliss.

I don't know about you but once I have a sunkissed tan I just feel soooo much better. Your skin feels better, your clothes look better... And you don't need to pile on the foundation when you have a tan. It's an instant beauty hack. I think we all look our best with a little colour. I have been searching through the shops for the best beauty products that might enhance my complexion whilst on holiday. And here we have it. Here are my top 3 favourite highlighters for the month of May. (I may find new ones!)

So Susan Water-based Pure Luminizer

Well well well. I found this little beauty thanks to Glossybox UK. AND I LOVE IT. I have attempted to do my first 'swatches' below to give you an idea of the colour. It is a beautiful, glossy, pinky, sparkly cream that looks absolutely gorgeous. It is water-based, so it is as light as water and trust me, it feels like that. I apply it just above my cheek bones, a little on the bridge of my nose and the two sides of my forehead. And I am not joking when I say I feel a million dollars with this product. The liquid illuminator is infused with micronized pearlescent pigments to create the perfect wash of light on your face. You simply use your ring finger to dab and blend out wherever you want a bit of shine. And the best part about this product is it doesn't make you look greasy or like you need to jump in an ice bath. #sweatybetty. It's elegant, it's subtle and it really gives you a soft-glow effect. I had never heard of So Susan cosmetics, but thanks to Glossybox UK I will be researching into their other products. Right after I have finished this blog. :)

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Highlighting Dome

I was shopping yesterday, looking at cosmetics for hours as we all do, and I found this little dome of happiness. I think it's quite new, I think the big NEW PRODUCT signs gave it away ;) but oh em gee. It's perfect. Sorry but I don't think my swatches do it justice. But seriously, it's so easy to use. You just rub the product exactly where you want it to go, and it stays. It's creamy, but then it dries as a shimmer. It's so small and cute, so you can carry it around in your purse. And it's gorgeous. I would use this shade to highlight my cheeks. It comes in two other shades as well, a pink and a bronze. I would use the pink as blusher, and the bronze to contour. The colour I have, called '01 Golden', is just perfect for highlighting. So really, you can do your whole face if you bought all 3 colours. You could even use this as a eye-shadow. At £8.00 a dome, I think it is very affordable. And it will last you ages. The dome is your new best friend.

Benefit Sun Beam

Well. It's in the name. This is my all time favourite product for highlighting. It gives you a natural, sun-kissed look even if you don't have a tan. I wear this with the Benefit bronzer, 'Hoola' - I apply the bronzer under my cheek bones (suck your lips in like a fish and apply where the line is - I'm so technical!), on my forehead, sides of my nose and a little on the chin. Then use the Sun Beam on top of the cheek bones and underneath the eyebrows for sexy, sun-kissed look. It brings definition to your face, and the bronzy, sparkly liquid is so easy to use. I actually apply this with a foundation brush, because you can blend it in really well with your foundation for that 'I woke up like this' Beyonce finish. And you know what, I have had this product AGES. It looks small, but it will keep you looking radiant for a good few months.

Please don't put that much on. I did it for the purpose of the photo. LOL. That's all for now. Thanks for reading my blog. XOXO 

SensatioNAIL is sensational...

I love painting my nails. I LOVE nail varnish. Pinks, blues, glitter, reds, purples.... I just love it. Can you tell!? I love all the colours that are out there, and how you can pick a colour to reflect your mood. I think you would be surprised how many people look at your hands, when you are talking, when you are at work, when you wave to say hello! When I have perfect nails, I feel like I am on it. I CAN DO ANYTHING because I have pretty nails. This may sounds silly, but if you love doing your nails too, you'll know the feeling I mean. It's like art. You have created something pretty and now you can show the world.

I don't know about you, but I also find it therapeutic to do your nails. Whatever life has thrown at you that day, you can sit down for 30 minutes and only think about making your nails look gorge. Don't get me wrong, I used to go and get them done as well. I know gel nails cost about £30 without extensions, and they last a couple of weeks. So, when I went to Boots the other day, and started to browse around the nail section - that's when my life changed forever. I found SensatioNAIL. If you don't know about this brand, you will thank me...

Yes I love doing nails. But I get so sad when they chip! Well, this gel nail kit can solve all your problems. I absolutely love it. And it will save you money in the long run. If you love having immaculate nails, but your nails are weak, brittle, or will not grow, this is the product for you. It's just like putting normal nail varnish on, but you cure it under a UV light for 30-60 seconds. And guess what, once it's done, your nails are completely dry. No sitting there like a zombie, not being able to touch anything. It's quick, efficient and amazing! Your nails feel solid. They feel strong. And you know they will last you for a good few weeks. Isn't that a waste of all your other nail varnish I hear you ask. Well no, because I can still use all my colours above. You simply put one layer of gel on, leave it under the UV for 30 seconds. Then you can apply your normal nail varnish. Wait for it to dry, then apply 2 coats of the gel over the top and cure for 1 minute each. Then oooh la la you have amazing glossy colourful nails for around 2 weeks. Bye bye chipping.

I have had this gel on for only a week, and I can see a rapid growth in the length, they feel strong, they look great. I cannot recommend this product enough. Just make sure you buy their acetone remover, DON'T pull off the gel when removing, you'll have strong, long nails underneath if you take it off properly.

SensatioNAIL do their own gel colours as well, and I am off to go and buy some now :) This is not an advertisement, I literally love this product.

Any questions on how to apply this amazing gel kit, please comment below and I can give you a step by step guide, although the instructions that you get with the kit is so easy to understand.

That's it for now, I just wanted to share this with you because I am so impressed and happy I have saved so much money now I don't need to get them done. I have a ton of my friends asking to their nails now, so I can pretend I am a professional, because the results will be the same :)

Thanks for reading. XOXO

Let's FACE it, Elemis is amazing

Hey hey beauty queens! Here's my beauty blog number 2. I'm starting to get the hang of this... 

Recently I have purchased some new Elemis products and now they are my go to products every morning and evening. If you have oily, combination skin that's prone to blemishes... or skin that you wish was brighter, or firmer? Like you have just stepped off of Marie Claire magazine front cover? LOOK NO FURTHER I HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS FOR YOU *Evil laugh* Well. It's actually not evil. It's the secret to beautiful looking skin. Read on ;)

Oh Elemis... It's just amazing. Let me paint you a picture. You've been at work all day. Your make up is starting to slide off your face and your thinking gosh I need to take this make up off, get in your tracksuit, put my fluffy slippers on and watch Netflix all night. Am I right!? Ok maybe I am getting old, but you get the jist. The LAST thing you want to do is scrub on your face with a make up wipe (seriously, they do nothing for your skin but upset it!) You need some superstar products. You are worth it, as the adverts say.

Well, all you need to do is say hello to these bad boys....

Elemis Products

Hello my angels..... Ok where was I. Oh yes, my daily routine :)

First up we have mr Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser. This is my other holy grail product for taking off my make up. Seriously, it's brill. All you do is apply it OVER your full face of make-up, and it smells delicious by the way. The limited edition one I have is a rose smell. MMMM. It's luxurious. As it sinks into your skin, your make up simply melts away. It has neroli, fresh bergamot and cedarwood = comforting natural mediterranean ingredients. You can't argue with the mediterranean. It's beautiful.

This not only takes your make up off, but it defends againsts pollutants that have been toxing up your face all day long. I am aware 'toxing up' is not a scientific term, but just go with me here. It purifies the skin and leaves it feeling fresh as a daily. All your foundation, mascara etc has been removed. Now onto the next step...

The Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash. Some people might stop there, but not me. Must be obsessed. I love to double cleanse in an evening, to make sure my face is extremely clean before I put on my toner and night cream. This face wash is not your average face wash. It stimulates the skin's natural cell renewal cycle, actively smoothing and refining and taking away all the dead skin cells that make your skin appear dull. It's like an exfoliator, but a face wash. This is great for showing what beautiful, radiant skin you really have. It's a must product for me. I love it. I LOVE IT!!!

The Balancing Lavender Toner is an absolute one. It's gentle, smells absolutely amazing and helps tone and rebalance the skins pH level, without the use of any harsh alcohol or chemicals, it's all natural baby. Spritz this over your face, and you will feel like you are skipping through a meadow. Or wherever lavender is made!

Finally, I only have a small sample but I am off to buy the full product. Hydra-Balance Day Cream. It's light, airy and doesn't feel oily. It's great to wear as a base for your make up or under a primer. It sinks into the skin ever so smoothly, you don't even know it's there. It's like it's part of your face, your skins natural drink. Great for normal or combination skin. It's all about that balance.

And that's it folks. Elemis will always be one of my favourite brands. It must be good, they have it in all the spa's. It's pricey, but science is worth it. We don't want to risk it with our skin do we ladies, we have one face, one smile. Let's look after it. Work it.

Thanks for reading my blog. XOXO 

Ps- please follow me on Twitter @lipglosssparkle